Sejongdae Dental Clinic: Why Does My Mouth Keep Getting Sores During Orthodontic Treatment?

Hello, this is Sejongdae Dental Clinic, S Leader Dental Hospital, which is celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year.

One of the questions we hear most often after patients begin orthodontic treatment is, “Why does my mouth keep getting sores?”

At first, many people think the appliances are simply a little uncomfortable. However, as time passes, some experience recurring sores and stinging pain on the inside of the cheeks, the inner lips, or the sides of the tongue, making it difficult even to eat. Some also worry, “Could something be wrong with my orthodontic treatment?” because of the sharp pain they feel when eating hot food or brushing their teeth.

In most cases, sores in the mouth during orthodontic treatment are a natural part of the adjustment process that can occur as the teeth move. However, not every wound should be considered normal. If symptoms persist for a long time or the pain is severe, it is important to check whether there is an issue with the appliance or damage to the oral mucosa.

Today, Sejongdae Dental Clinic, S Leader Dental Hospital, will explain in detail why sores keep developing during orthodontic treatment, whether they are normal, how to manage them at home, and when you should visit the hospital.

What causes mouth sores during orthodontic treatment?

1. The brackets and wires continuously irritate the mucous membrane.

Orthodontic treatment works by attaching brackets to the surfaces of the teeth and connecting them with wires to gradually move the teeth.

The issue is that these appliances are positioned very close to the oral mucosa. Whenever you speak or chew, your lips, the insides of your cheeks, and your tongue repeatedly come into contact with the brackets and wires. Continued friction can cause small wounds.

This irritation is especially noticeable in the early stages, soon after starting orthodontic treatment, because the mucous membrane has not yet adapted to the appliances.

2. They can occur temporarily after the orthodontic appliances are adjusted.

Orthodontic treatment does not end once the appliances are attached. The teeth are gradually moved into the desired positions through regular wire changes and adjustments to the tension.

Immediately after these adjustments, the points where the lips and cheeks contact the appliances may also change slightly, in addition to changes affecting the teeth.

As a result, an area that previously caused no problems may suddenly become sore, or pain may develop in a new area. This is not uncommon.

3. The end of a wire may be protruding.

During orthodontic treatment, the position of the wire also changes gradually as the teeth move.

If the end of the wire is left longer than expected or protrudes outward during this process, it may continuously prick a particular area.

If the same area keeps becoming wounded, rather than there simply being general soreness in the mouth, the wire may need to be adjusted. In that case, it is best to have it checked at a dental clinic.

4. The mouth may be dry, or your immune system may be weakened.

The oral mucosa remains moist with the help of saliva.

However, if you do not usually drink enough water, have a habit of breathing through your mouth, or have reduced resistance due to severe fatigue and stress, even minor irritation can easily cause wounds.

Therefore, not only the orthodontic appliances but also your lifestyle can affect oral wounds.

Is it normal for the mouth to develop sores during orthodontic treatment?

To get straight to the point, in most cases, this can be considered a normal adjustment process.

The mucous membrane is not yet accustomed to the appliances, so friction can occur easily, especially when you first begin orthodontic treatment or immediately after replacing a wire.

Over time, the oral mucosa also adapts to the appliances, and the frequency of wounds often decreases naturally.

However, if the pain is severe enough to make eating difficult, or if the same area repeatedly becomes sore and bleeds, the situation may require appliance adjustment rather than being simply part of the adjustment process.

Also, if a wound does not heal for more than two weeks, it is advisable to check whether another oral condition may be present.

How should you manage a mouth sore?

Try making active use of orthodontic wax.

Orthodontic wax is placed over brackets or wires to help prevent direct contact between the appliances and the mucous membrane.

It is easy to use when going out or before meals, making it one of the most commonly used management methods among orthodontic patients.

It is best to reduce irritating foods temporarily.

Spicy or salty foods and foods that are too hot can further irritate the wounded area.

Until the wound heals, choosing soft foods such as porridge or noodles can help reduce pain.

Adequate hydration and rest are also important.

A dry mouth can slow the recovery of the mucous membrane.

Drinking water more often than usual and getting enough sleep may also help the mucous membrane recover.

You should brush your teeth even more carefully.

If you neglect brushing because you have a wound, food particles and bacteria may remain, potentially worsening inflammation.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean carefully around the appliances, and it is also advisable to use dental floss or an interdental brush.

In these cases, it is best to visit a dental clinic.

Not every mouth sore requires treatment.

However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be difficult to consider them merely part of the adjustment process.

• The wound does not heal for more than two weeks

• The same area repeatedly becomes sore

• The end of a wire continues to feel as though it is pricking you

• Frequent bleeding or pus develops

• The pain is severe enough to make it difficult to open your mouth

• An appliance becomes detached or deformed

In these situations, discomfort can often be significantly improved simply by making a minor adjustment to the appliance. Therefore, rather than enduring it on your own, it is best to receive an examination.

Sejongdae Dental Clinic, S Leader Dental Hospital

Careful management is also important for discomfort during orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment is not simply a procedure for straightening the teeth. It is a process in which the teeth are gradually moved over a period ranging from several months to several years. Temporary discomfort or mouth sores during treatment are therefore relatively common, but that does not mean you should always endure them.

By accurately identifying the cause of the discomfort and receiving appropriate care and appliance adjustments, you can continue orthodontic treatment more comfortably.

At Sejongdae Dental Clinic, S Leader Dental Hospital, we carefully monitor not only tooth movement throughout the orthodontic treatment process but also the condition of each patient’s oral mucosa and whether the appliances are causing friction, working to provide comfortable treatment.

If mouth sores recur during orthodontic treatment or pain persists for a long time, rather than worrying about it alone, please consult your dental care team to have your current condition checked.

Sejongdae Dental Clinic :: S Leader Dental Hospital